CI_Calendar_0809_1st 8/4/08 11:34 am Page 8
LAS VEGAS by Sharon Harris
F
ounded in 1905, Las Vegas was part of a land auction conducted by railroad
authorities. It became a depot stop on the train going west. Block 16 was the cen-
ter of legalized drinking, prostitution and gambling until 1910. Its remote loca-
tion devastated Las Vegas during the Great Depression of the 1930s. The poor
economy motivated lawmakers to legalize gaming statewide in 1931.
Fremont Street, the heart of downtown Las Vegas, dominated the gambling scene in those
first 20 years, but development heading south on Highway 91 forever changed the skyline.
The stretch of land was dubbed “The Las Vegas Strip” in 1952, and Las Vegas evolved from a
locals gambling city into a complete resort region.
More than a century later, Las Vegas has become one of the fastest growing cities in the
United States. In some respects, Las Vegas has maintained its “sin city” reputation through
tourist marketing.
Although still somewhat isolated in the desert, air travel, improved roadways and train
services have transformed Las Vegas from a sleepy desert town into a major metropolis. The
unequalled casino architecture and available leisure activities showcase its best assets for
both domestic and international visitors. Las Vegas tourism officials recognize the need to attract visitors in these tough times. The
Like most of America, Las Vegas is currently confronting unprecedented obstacles due to Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) plans to initiate an $18 million plan
the economy. The housing market throughout Nevada has reached a crisis point, topping to attract more foreign visitors to help fill the 32,000 new hotel rooms under development.
the nationwide number of home foreclosures. LVCVA officials claim that 12 percent of the 40 million annual visitors to Las Vegas arrive
This may result in fewer people moving into Las Vegas, which has enjoyed annual growth from international destinations. A weak dollar against foreign currencies provides a favor-
for years, and now has a population topping one million. Fewer people coming into the able travel incentive. They aim to increase foreign tourism to 15 per cent by 2011, and up to
market, and those relocating who have lost their homes, will affect potential staffing at 18 per cent by 2020.
current and future casino properties. However, Las Vegas is still undergoing massive development, in part because of the secur-
Labor relations have also taken on new importance. Similar to other gaming operations ing of financing and the groundbreaking that has already occurred. Numerous projects are
throughout the nation, some Nevada casino companies are now negotiating with some new in varying phases of construction and completion in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and other
union organizations. surrounding towns.
The soaring gasoline prices are creating another problem for Las Vegas; the isolated Industry giants like MGM Mirage announced it will name the company’s 61-story, 4,004-
desert location of Las Vegas makes it a true destination spot. Any added expense to travel- room centerpiece resort of its CityCenter complex “Aria”. Other notable projects include the
ing there, plus higher costs upon arrival, may prevent visitors from journeying to Las Vegas. Trump Towers Las Vegas, which opened last March, and Boyd Gaming’s 87-acre, $4.8 billion
Tourists and conventioneers will all experience price increases and decreases this year. multi-tower Echelon Las Vegas, scheduled for completing in late 2010.
Taxis will impose a price increase and a fuel surcharge. However, many Strip hotels have cut Unfortunately, the credit crisis for money has also affected construction, putting some
prices on guest rooms. Some airlines are cutting flights to Las Vegas, which may affect seat properties at extreme risk. The newly built Cosmopolitan has gone into foreclosure and
capacity and fees. other projects have been delayed indefinitely or cancelled.
OctaSupplies
Octavian supplies world-leading casino and amusement equipment through which
game content and related services are delivered easily and attractively to customers
OctaSupplies
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28